Overview-Consumer Empowerment

Become empowered by using “ADA-Access-Ready” hearing instruments. Learn how to enhance your hearing in various public settings.

Check out these sections:

Getting Ready

• TEDx OshKosh “What you don’t know about hearing aids” 
• “ADA-Access-Ready” Hearing Instruments (ones with Auracast and telecoils in the device)
• Declarations about Telecoils and Bluetooth (16 years)

Find Assistive Listening Systems

• All places required to have a hearing loop, FM/RF, or infrared system
• Google Maps, find if a location has a hearing loop
• Hearing loop lists, by US state or Canadian Province

How to Use

If you’re new to assistive listening systems, it’s helpful to see some graphics and videos of what you can expect. Check out these sections:

• Telecoils. Directly connect your hearing instruments to a hearing loop, or using a neckloop with FM or IR systems to get a direct, clear sound.
• All about neckloops 
• Equipment to borrow from the facility
• Using telecoils in your hearing aids
• Using telecoils in your cochlear implants

Advocacy Templates

• Templates
  • Inquiries. Templates for you to adapt for your preparations (20+ ideas)
  • Complaints and Feedback. Templates for you to adapt if things didn’t work well.
• Complaints-lists of place you can complain to:
  • Local, state and federal options
  • Healthcare
  • Google Reviews. Leave a positive or constructive review.
  • Hearing Instruments Manufacturers-Contact Information for giving feedback about hearing aids and cochlear implants

Broader Advocacy

• Declarations. Since 2009 (17 years ago), national and international groups have written proclamations and documents about the criticality of including BOTH telecoils and Auracast/Bluetooth.
• Unequivocally Advocating for Changes to Access ADA Assistive Listening Systems